Postdoctoral researcher in Numerical Oceanography (SW2, 12 months, f/m/x, 100%)

The Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences is a world-class research institute with more than 250 scientists and scientific collaborators covering a wide range of disciplines from biology to geology, oceanography to taxonomy and palaeontology to ecology. Marine research at RBINS has a large societal impact as it directly reports to national and international decision-makers.

The selected candidate will join the Ecosystem Modelling team of Dr. Geneviève Lacroix and work closely with Dr. Arthur Capet. ECOMOD focuses on the development and use of aquatic ecosystems and biophysical modelling tools. In particular, ECOMOD is in charge of the development and maintenance of the 3-D numerical model COHERENS, which is an infrastructural tool used for a wide variety of purposes, such as operational forecasts, environmental impact assessment, climate-scale biogeochemistry dynamics, and coastal management.

This postdoc position is closely related to the ongoing EcoMPV, and OWIDEX projects in collaboration with the Marine Ecology and Management (MARECO, Dr. Steven Degraer, Dr. Jan Vanaverbeke) team of the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences (RBINS), and the EU H2020 FOCCUS project.

Tasks

In general, the candidate is expected to enforce the inter-operability, relevance, and accessibility of scientific results and tools produced within the ECOMOD group. More specifically, the candidate will be asked to address various tasks related to marine environmental sciences and modelling and located at the interface between science production and interoperability/dissemination/interdisciplinarity. This includes:

  • The design of web interfaces enabling the exploration of scientific datasets and knowledge databases.
  • Documenting interactive inventory of operational modeling frameworks around the European coastline.
  • Empowering the inter-operability of the COHERENS model and the adoption of international standards. In particular, adopt the FABM framework for biogeochemical model formulation.
  • Build pre- and post- processing toolboxes, enabling an operational interface between oceanographic databases and the COHERENS model.

Profile and qualifications

  • You hold a doctorate (PhD) in Physical Oceanography or a related discipline in the Natural Sciences, and have a strong interest in cross-disciplinary research (holders of foreign diploma will have to apply for a diploma equivalence procedure);
  • You excel in time and task management, and can handle tasks in multiple projects
  • You have established strong experience in scientific programming, data visualisation tool, and interactive frameworks (e.g. Shiny, Python Dashboards, etc..).
  • You are aware of and enthusiastic to modern numerical science technologies.
  • An experience in running complex hydrodynamical model would constitute a strong asset, preferably for model written in FORTRAN.
  • You have a proven scientific track record including first-author publications in international journals (according to career stage);
  • Strong communication skills in English are essential, including the ability to present to both academic and non-academic audiences.

We offer

  • A dynamic and stimulating work environment at the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences;
  • A full-time contract as a postdoctoral researcher for 12 months (with potential extension depending on funds availability);
  • Remuneration according to the scale for a grade SW2 scientific staff at the federal government.
  • A working environment right in the heart of the capital of Europe (Brussels).
  • Free public transport or bike allowance between home/work.
  • Free hospitalization insurance.

Want to apply?

  • Applications should be sent by email to acapet@naturalsciences.be (subject: candidature Numerical Oceanography) and should include a cover letter specifying the motivation to apply for the position and a short CV, including a list of publications, list of prior research experiences, and contact details of 2     references.
  • The deadline for the application is 24h  November 2023.
  • We will perform a pre-selection and invite selected candidates for an interview. The selection committee will review the applications immediately after the application deadline. These interviews will take place in the end of November 2023 at the buildings of RBINS (Vautierstraat 29, 1000 Brussels) or by videoconference. The planned start date is 1st January 2024 or as soon as possible.
  • For informal inquiries, please contact Dr. Arthur Capet (acapet@naturalsciences.be).


We encourage diversity and attach great importance to an inclusive working environment and equal opportunities, regardless of gender identity, disability, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or age. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds and with diverse characteristics to apply.